La Malinche Coffee & Tea House — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

i want to love this place so i write this post to shed some light not to bash on owners/employees.

1- i feel as if the menu is too big for the very small area the staff has to work. the workspace looks very overcrowded especially when you have 4 or 5 employees working in that spot.

2- i love love love the mazapán latte’s there. today i decided to not get a coffee and im glad i didn’t. i saw the cashier put the ground coffee beans in the portafilter and used their HAND to push the grounds together before using the espresso tamper. thought it was just that once but they did it over and over again, without gloves. especially after they’re the ones that handle $ for cashier it is beyond unsanitary. especially after i saw them check their phone on their apron.

3- i ordered an açaí bowl today, thought id try something new. not sure if it was an accident or not but nowhere on your menu did it say u added sour cream in the bowl it says non fat yogurt. i saw them bring a big tub from the back labeled “sour cream” and they added that in the blender. when they added the açaí from a bucket i noticed the build up on the inside of the bucket. with this, it was enough for me not to eat it.

4-this is the one the one that concerned me the most. if you guys open a 8 i highly doubt your appliances get that dirty. the panini press looked like it had build of from at least weeks without scraping. and your mini flat top also looked crazy dirty. i’ve worked in kitchens with high volume usage with a flat top and it takes hours after lots of use to look that dirty. i got there at 10 and saw how disgusting they looked. i got curious and looked around at other spots and saw dust and build up on racks where syrups go, etc. i think this place can be so much better with cleanliness and less...

Support this amazing little place! This is a very authentic Latinx cafe with traditional drinks on the menu. They have almond and oat milk for us vegans. I really enjoyed my Cubanito with oat milk and 2 shots of espresso. My husband's Cafe de Olla was amazing and perfect for cold weather/holiday. SKIP THE STARBUCKS! Get a spicy Cafe de Olla instead! It does not come with milk, but next time I would totally ask for a cup of cold oat milk on the side to stir in. They also have a hot chocolate with espresso called a Dirty Abuelita. The person who took my order was incredibly friendly and genuine and had a ton of knowledge about the menu. They have a handful of things for sale like booties and mugs. They have sandwiches and pastries, none of which seem to be vegan at this time. We did not have a hard time finding free parking close by. There is ample seating inside and they have late hours on Mondays. Beautiful old building. There is a piano and fireplace, although neither were in use when we were there. Wifi and outlets as well as a restroom are available. It was not busy. Highly recommend this place, great to chill and study or take...

La Malinche Coffee & Tea House is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a place where connections are built and love stories unfold. I recently visited with a couple for a photo session, and I can absolutely see why this place holds significance in their relationship.

The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, with stunning murals, cozy seating, and a warm, artistic ambiance that makes you want to stay for hours. The cultural elements woven into the decor add so much personality to the space. It feels like a love letter to tradition, art, and good company.

And let’s talk about the coffee—it hits! ☕🔥 Smooth, rich, and perfectly brewed, every sip was an experience in itself. Whether you’re here for a quick caffeine fix or to soak in the energy of the space, this spot delivers.

If you’re looking for a place to create memories, enjoy great coffee, and experience a unique atmosphere, La Malinche is a must-visit. Can’t wait...